Grandma, they are just trying to bully you. You are the newcomer so you have to do what they say. Yeah,right. Keep your garden tidy and the plants under control and there is nothing they can do. If they keep on harrassing you get a restraining order out.

Pamela, you should be able to use your compost every 6 monthes at the most. For every layer of green material used you should add an equal layer of brown material ie dead leaves, shredded paper, torn or scrunched up newspaper or torn up cardboard.There is no need to turn the material everytime you add to the bin but once a fortnight will be fine. The rule of composting is, 1 bin being used, 1 bin full and composting and the final bin being built up. What is VERY important is you are using pallets which allow air into the compost, unlike those plastic "darleks" which just produce a slimey mess. As with all living things, the bacteria and worms that digest and convert the raw material, need warmth, air and moisture. You are doing well, and carrying on a gardening tradition. Well done.

Of course, using home made, non registered, pesticides is illegal. However, if a few rhubarb leaves were to fall into some boiling water and said water was strained and allowed to cool you would have to get rid of it somehow.lol lol lol